Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer, Chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC), announced that he has invited His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America to offer the benediction at the 2013 Presidential Inaugural Luncheon following the Inaugural ceremonies at the U.S. Capitol on January 21, 2013. The luncheon will be hosted by the joint committee to honor President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden.

The Archbishop gave the benediction; it was quite beautiful.

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If you will, you can become all flame.Extra caritatem nulla salus.In order to become whole, take the "I" out of "holiness". सर्वभूतहितἌνω σχῶμεν τὰς καρδίας"Those who say religion has nothing to do with politics do not know what religion is." -- Mohandas GandhiY dduw bo'r diolch.

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer, Chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC), announced that he has invited His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America to offer the benediction at the 2013 Presidential Inaugural Luncheon following the Inaugural ceremonies at the U.S. Capitol on January 21, 2013. The luncheon will be hosted by the joint committee to honor President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden.

The Archbishop gave the benediction; it was quite beautiful.

I agree. He spoke exceedingly well and it was a very reverent and fine prayer.

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"I wish they would remember that the charge to Peter was "Feed my sheep", not "Try experiments on my rats", or even "Teach my performing dogs new tricks". - C. S. Lewis

If you will, you can become all flame.Extra caritatem nulla salus.In order to become whole, take the "I" out of "holiness". सर्वभूतहितἌνω σχῶμεν τὰς καρδίας"Those who say religion has nothing to do with politics do not know what religion is." -- Mohandas GandhiY dduw bo'r diolch.

Earlier Rev. Louie Giglio was announced as the pastor to give the benediction but he pulled himself out of the ceremony, after criticism of his previous anti-gay comments and actions, The question is why is His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios was chosen to deliver Benediction where none of the political leaders and their family members are not Orthodox Christians? Has President Obama now become Orthodox Christian?

Correction: Mr. Giglio was to have delivered the Benediction at the Inaugural Ceremony not the Luncheon.

Further, on January 20, 1961 Archbishop Iakovos of the GOA offered a prayer at the inauguration of President Kennedy and then delivered the Benediction at the end of the Inauguration of President Johnson in 1965 and a prayer at that of President Nixon in 1969.

These occasions are for all Americans and those who are EO are part of that. It should also be noted that Archbishop Iakovos met with every U.S. President from Eisenhower to Carter and was part of the Civil Rights March in Selma, Alabama with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Correction: Mr. Giglio was to have delivered the Benediction at the Inaugural Ceremony not the Luncheon.

Further, on January 20, 1961 Archbishop Iakovos of the GOA offered a prayer at the inauguration of President Kennedy and then delivered the Benediction at the end of the Inauguration of President Johnson in 1965 and a prayer at that of President Nixon in 1969.

These occasions are for all Americans and those who are EO are part of that. It should also be noted that Archbishop Iakovos met with every U.S. President from Eisenhower to Carter and was part of the Civil Rights March in Selma, Alabama with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Still, I didn't like the whole atmosphere during the Luncheon. It is obvious that they came up with an agenda to promote liberalism and sodomism. Can you see how they showed little respect to the Archbishop. Look carefully when the Archbishop was asking for orientation to leave the stage, the host-speaker was pointing like "just go over there".

Why would a spiritual leader of an Orthodox church give Benediction to the very President who shows no compassion towards the persecuted Christians of the Middle East and Africa?

"as [you've] informed us that respect chills love, it is natural to conclude that all your pretty flights arise from your pampered sensibility; and that, vain of this fancied preeminence of organs, you foster every emotion till the fumes, mounting to your brain, dispel the sober suggestions of reason. It is not in this view surprising that when you should argue you become impassioned, and that reflection inflames your imagination instead of enlightening your understanding." - Mary Wollstonecraft

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer, Chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC), announced that he has invited His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America to offer the benediction at the 2013 Presidential Inaugural Luncheon following the Inaugural ceremonies at the U.S. Capitol on January 21, 2013. The luncheon will be hosted by the joint committee to honor President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden.

The Archbishop gave the benediction; it was quite beautiful.

I agree. He spoke exceedingly well and it was a very reverent and fine prayer.

I hope it was in the vein of that of Card. Dolan at the their convention.

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Question a friend, perhaps he did not do it; but if he did anything so that he may do it no more.A hasty quarrel kindles fire,and urgent strife sheds blood.If you blow on a spark, it will glow;if you spit on it, it will be put out; and both come out of your mouth

Let us pray as we prepare to go forth in peace, confident in America’s bright future.

In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen

O God of all, we give thanks to You and praise You on this day, as did our first President on the day of his inauguration, for we too “resort once more to the benign Parent of the Human Race in humble supplication.” We bless and praise Your Holy Name for Your gracious favor and divine blessing upon these United States of America, our President Barack Obama, and Vice-President Joseph Biden, as they commence the second term of their sacred responsibilities in the highest Office of our Country. Bless, preserve, and keep them and their families safe and healthy, together with all who serve our Nation, especially the Congress, the Judiciary, and the Armed Forces here and everywhere who heroically and sacrificially defend our pursuits of life, liberty and happiness. Heavenly, Father, may we ever abide in this land of opportunity and freedom in “perfect tranquility,” faithful to our foundations, and ever building a more prosperous, just, equitable, and decent society for all our citizens. And may we always share our faith and hope for the future with the whole world, through Your Divine and gracious love. Amen."

Conquer evil men by your gentle kindness, and make zealous men wonder at your goodness. Put the lover of legality to shame by your compassion. With the afflicted be afflicted in mind. Love all men, but keep distant from all men.—St. Isaac of Syria

Let us pray as we prepare to go forth in peace, confident in America’s bright future.

In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen

O God of all, we give thanks to You and praise You on this day, as did our first President on the day of his inauguration, for we too “resort once more to the benign Parent of the Human Race in humble supplication.” We bless and praise Your Holy Name for Your gracious favor and divine blessing upon these United States of America, our President Barack Obama, and Vice-President Joseph Biden, as they commence the second term of their sacred responsibilities in the highest Office of our Country. Bless, preserve, and keep them and their families safe and healthy, together with all who serve our Nation, especially the Congress, the Judiciary, and the Armed Forces here and everywhere who heroically and sacrificially defend our pursuits of life, liberty and happiness. Heavenly, Father, may we ever abide in this land of opportunity and freedom in “perfect tranquility,” faithful to our foundations, and ever building a more prosperous, just, equitable, and decent society for all our citizens. And may we always share our faith and hope for the future with the whole world, through Your Divine and gracious love. Amen."

Is Abp. Demetrius a US citizen? Given the wording, there can't be much complaint about a "foreign hierarch" running the show here.

Logged

Question a friend, perhaps he did not do it; but if he did anything so that he may do it no more.A hasty quarrel kindles fire,and urgent strife sheds blood.If you blow on a spark, it will glow;if you spit on it, it will be put out; and both come out of your mouth

Let us pray as we prepare to go forth in peace, confident in America’s bright future.

In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen

O God of all, we give thanks to You and praise You on this day, as did our first President on the day of his inauguration, for we too “resort once more to the benign Parent of the Human Race in humble supplication.” We bless and praise Your Holy Name for Your gracious favor and divine blessing upon these United States of America, our President Barack Obama, and Vice-President Joseph Biden, as they commence the second term of their sacred responsibilities in the highest Office of our Country. Bless, preserve, and keep them and their families safe and healthy, together with all who serve our Nation, especially the Congress, the Judiciary, and the Armed Forces here and everywhere who heroically and sacrificially defend our pursuits of life, liberty and happiness. Heavenly, Father, may we ever abide in this land of opportunity and freedom in “perfect tranquility,” faithful to our foundations, and ever building a more prosperous, just, equitable, and decent society for all our citizens. And may we always share our faith and hope for the future with the whole world, through Your Divine and gracious love. Amen."

Is Abp. Demetrius a US citizen? Given the wording, there can't be much complaint about a "foreign hierarch" running the show here.

I would be shocked if he isn't a US citizen. he's been in the US forever.

Only pray for me, that God would give me both inward and outward strength, that I may not only speak, but truly will; and that I may not merely be called a Christian, but really be found to be one. St.Ignatius of Antioch.Epistle to the Romans.

Correction: Mr. Giglio was to have delivered the Benediction at the Inaugural Ceremony not the Luncheon.

Further, on January 20, 1961 Archbishop Iakovos of the GOA offered a prayer at the inauguration of President Kennedy and then delivered the Benediction at the end of the Inauguration of President Johnson in 1965 and a prayer at that of President Nixon in 1969.

These occasions are for all Americans and those who are EO are part of that. It should also be noted that Archbishop Iakovos met with every U.S. President from Eisenhower to Carter and was part of the Civil Rights March in Selma, Alabama with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Still, I didn't like the whole atmosphere during the Luncheon. It is obvious that they came up with an agenda to promote liberalism and sodomism. Can you see how they showed little respect to the Archbishop. Look carefully when the Archbishop was asking for orientation to leave the stage, the host-speaker was pointing like "just go over there".

It was a confined area and things were wrapping up. The Archbishop was listened to and greeted respectfully after the prayer by the President, the Vice-President and the host-speaker from what I saw when it happened live and in the video. It wasn't a stage but it looked more like a raised podium near the wall. What was supposed to happen to a simple question of getting around? The Archbishop didn't want to walk in front of the speaker which would have been rude; he was being courteous. Would you expect an escort or something like that?

Why would a spiritual leader of an Orthodox church give Benediction to the very President who shows no compassion towards the persecuted Christians of the Middle East and Africa?

I think the whole thing has been organized to embarass His Eminence.

You truly believe that the President of the U.S. and other officials would invite the Archbishop of the GOA to give a Benediction with malicious intent in order to cause him public shame?!? Because doing something in order to embarrass another person and particularly an older, reverend gentleman in such a public situation would involve spitefulness and a meanness of spirit that I can not imagine and certainly did not see.

I don't have any connection to the Inaugural Committee, but I should thing that the Archbishop was invited because he is a respected religious figure who leads a Church that is part of the American landscape, as it were.

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"I wish they would remember that the charge to Peter was "Feed my sheep", not "Try experiments on my rats", or even "Teach my performing dogs new tricks". - C. S. Lewis

Let us pray as we prepare to go forth in peace, confident in America’s bright future.

In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen

O God of all, we give thanks to You and praise You on this day, as did our first President on the day of his inauguration, for we too “resort once more to the benign Parent of the Human Race in humble supplication.” We bless and praise Your Holy Name for Your gracious favor and divine blessing upon these United States of America, our President Barack Obama, and Vice-President Joseph Biden, as they commence the second term of their sacred responsibilities in the highest Office of our Country. Bless, preserve, and keep them and their families safe and healthy, together with all who serve our Nation, especially the Congress, the Judiciary, and the Armed Forces here and everywhere who heroically and sacrificially defend our pursuits of life, liberty and happiness. Heavenly, Father, may we ever abide in this land of opportunity and freedom in “perfect tranquility,” faithful to our foundations, and ever building a more prosperous, just, equitable, and decent society for all our citizens. And may we always share our faith and hope for the future with the whole world, through Your Divine and gracious love. Amen."

Is Abp. Demetrius a US citizen? Given the wording, there can't be much complaint about a "foreign hierarch" running the show here.

I do not know, but my sense is that His Eminence is not an American citizen. He had retired from his professorial responsibilities at Holy Cross Theological School, in Brookline, Mass., in 1993 (+/-) and resumed his position as auxiliary bishop (Metropolitan of Vresthena) to the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece, while also tending to his mother's care who was aged at the time, when the Ecumenical Patriarchate asked for his transfer from the Church of Greece to the Ecumenical Throne, for the purpose of his election as Archbishop of America, in August, 1999. He had been receiving a pension from the Greek government until "The National herald" reported that information a few years ago, as if it were scandalous, whereupon he declined receipt of further pension payments. He is independently wealthy, through inheritance. His brother is a New Democracy member of the Greek Parliament. In 2000, when the Archdiocesan Council felt it had exhausted all efforts to further reduce the debts inherited from the administration of Archbishop Spyridon, at a point that the debts were around two or four million dollars (as I recall), His Eminence publicly volunteered to pay it off, though the Council respectfully refused his generous offer. I never read anything about his having become an American citizen in his biographical information. Never-the-less, the duly elected and enthroned "Archbishop of America," cannot be perceived as a "foreign hierarch," in my opinion.

From hearing Archbishop Demtrios talk on numerous occasions, I feel he comes from the same clothe as Archbishop Anastasios of Albania. For them it does not matter where their passport says they are from, or where they were born; they were placed in a place to minister to people and make them citizens of heaven, and that is their priority.

Let us pray as we prepare to go forth in peace, confident in America’s bright future.

In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen

O God of all, we give thanks to You and praise You on this day, as did our first President on the day of his inauguration, for we too “resort once more to the benign Parent of the Human Race in humble supplication.” We bless and praise Your Holy Name for Your gracious favor and divine blessing upon these United States of America, our President Barack Obama, and Vice-President Joseph Biden, as they commence the second term of their sacred responsibilities in the highest Office of our Country. Bless, preserve, and keep them and their families safe and healthy, together with all who serve our Nation, especially the Congress, the Judiciary, and the Armed Forces here and everywhere who heroically and sacrificially defend our pursuits of life, liberty and happiness. Heavenly, Father, may we ever abide in this land of opportunity and freedom in “perfect tranquility,” faithful to our foundations, and ever building a more prosperous, just, equitable, and decent society for all our citizens. And may we always share our faith and hope for the future with the whole world, through Your Divine and gracious love. Amen."

Is Abp. Demetrius a US citizen? Given the wording, there can't be much complaint about a "foreign hierarch" running the show here.

I do not know, but my sense is that His Eminence is not an American citizen. He had retired from his professorial responsibilities at Holy Cross Theological School, in Brookline, Mass., in 1993 (+/-) and resumed his position as auxiliary bishop (Metropolitan of Vresthena) to the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece, while also tending to his mother's care who was aged at the time, when the Ecumenical Patriarchate asked for his transfer from the Church of Greece to the Ecumenical Throne, for the purpose of his election as Archbishop of America, in August, 1999. He had been receiving a pension from the Greek government until "The National herald" reported that information a few years ago, as if it were scandalous, whereupon he declined receipt of further pension payments. He is independently wealthy, through inheritance. His brother is a New Democracy member of the Greek Parliament. In 2000, when the Archdiocesan Council felt it had exhausted all efforts to further reduce the debts inherited from the administration of Archbishop Spyridon, at a point that the debts were around two or four million dollars (as I recall), His Eminence publicly volunteered to pay it off, though the Council respectfully refused his generous offer. I never read anything about his having become an American citizen in his biographical information. Never-the-less, the duly elected and enthroned "Archbishop of America," cannot be perceived as a "foreign hierarch," in my opinion.

He can be, and many said so of Abp. Spyridon, being more the Exarch than the Archbishop. Many Greeks thought of the Glyxmpourgk as foreigners,with far less reason.

Given how the present Archbishop has conducted himself, however, it doesn't matter much that I see, except that such conduct is personal, and not institutionalized. The switch from Abp. Iakovos to Abp. Spyridon demonstrated that.

May his Eminence's generous offer be remembered to his account on the Day of Judgement!

Logged

Question a friend, perhaps he did not do it; but if he did anything so that he may do it no more.A hasty quarrel kindles fire,and urgent strife sheds blood.If you blow on a spark, it will glow;if you spit on it, it will be put out; and both come out of your mouth

I would argue that Isa's observation: "Given how the present Archbishop has conducted himself, however, it doesn't matter much that I see, except that such conduct is personal, and not institutionalized. The switch from Abp. Iakovos to Abp. Spyridon demonstrated that." is not unique to Church matters. My experience is that in almost any institution which provides a change in 'hierarchy' it is the personal touch which defines our perception of our leaders from the presidency to a parish council and all which fall between.

Let us pray as we prepare to go forth in peace, confident in America’s bright future.

In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen

O God of all, we give thanks to You and praise You on this day, as did our first President on the day of his inauguration, for we too “resort once more to the benign Parent of the Human Race in humble supplication.” We bless and praise Your Holy Name for Your gracious favor and divine blessing upon these United States of America, our President Barack Obama, and Vice-President Joseph Biden, as they commence the second term of their sacred responsibilities in the highest Office of our Country. Bless, preserve, and keep them and their families safe and healthy, together with all who serve our Nation, especially the Congress, the Judiciary, and the Armed Forces here and everywhere who heroically and sacrificially defend our pursuits of life, liberty and happiness. Heavenly, Father, may we ever abide in this land of opportunity and freedom in “perfect tranquility,” faithful to our foundations, and ever building a more prosperous, just, equitable, and decent society for all our citizens. And may we always share our faith and hope for the future with the whole world, through Your Divine and gracious love. Amen."

Is Abp. Demetrius a US citizen? Given the wording, there can't be much complaint about a "foreign hierarch" running the show here.

I do not know, but my sense is that His Eminence is not an American citizen. He had retired from his professorial responsibilities at Holy Cross Theological School, in Brookline, Mass., in 1993 (+/-) and resumed his position as auxiliary bishop (Metropolitan of Vresthena) to the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece, while also tending to his mother's care who was aged at the time, when the Ecumenical Patriarchate asked for his transfer from the Church of Greece to the Ecumenical Throne, for the purpose of his election as Archbishop of America, in August, 1999. He had been receiving a pension from the Greek government until "The National herald" reported that information a few years ago, as if it were scandalous, whereupon he declined receipt of further pension payments. He is independently wealthy, through inheritance. His brother is a New Democracy member of the Greek Parliament. In 2000, when the Archdiocesan Council felt it had exhausted all efforts to further reduce the debts inherited from the administration of Archbishop Spyridon, at a point that the debts were around two or four million dollars (as I recall), His Eminence publicly volunteered to pay it off, though the Council respectfully refused his generous offer. I never read anything about his having become an American citizen in his biographical information. Never-the-less, the duly elected and enthroned "Archbishop of America," cannot be perceived as a "foreign hierarch," in my opinion.

He can be, and many said so of Abp. Spyridon, being more the Exarch than the Archbishop. Many Greeks thought of the Glyxmpourgk as foreigners,with far less reason.

Given how the present Archbishop has conducted himself, however, it doesn't matter much that I see, except that such conduct is personal, and not institutionalized. The switch from Abp. Iakovos to Abp. Spyridon demonstrated that.

May his Eminence's generous offer be remembered to his account on the Day of Judgement!

Sorry Isa i'm not thinking very clearly these days...

Do you have an issue with the way the Archb. is handling things? Or the perceptions of how he is handling things...?

Let us pray as we prepare to go forth in peace, confident in America’s bright future.

In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen

O God of all, we give thanks to You and praise You on this day, as did our first President on the day of his inauguration, for we too “resort once more to the benign Parent of the Human Race in humble supplication.” We bless and praise Your Holy Name for Your gracious favor and divine blessing upon these United States of America, our President Barack Obama, and Vice-President Joseph Biden, as they commence the second term of their sacred responsibilities in the highest Office of our Country. Bless, preserve, and keep them and their families safe and healthy, together with all who serve our Nation, especially the Congress, the Judiciary, and the Armed Forces here and everywhere who heroically and sacrificially defend our pursuits of life, liberty and happiness. Heavenly, Father, may we ever abide in this land of opportunity and freedom in “perfect tranquility,” faithful to our foundations, and ever building a more prosperous, just, equitable, and decent society for all our citizens. And may we always share our faith and hope for the future with the whole world, through Your Divine and gracious love. Amen."

Is Abp. Demetrius a US citizen? Given the wording, there can't be much complaint about a "foreign hierarch" running the show here.

I do not know, but my sense is that His Eminence is not an American citizen. He had retired from his professorial responsibilities at Holy Cross Theological School, in Brookline, Mass., in 1993 (+/-) and resumed his position as auxiliary bishop (Metropolitan of Vresthena) to the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece, while also tending to his mother's care who was aged at the time, when the Ecumenical Patriarchate asked for his transfer from the Church of Greece to the Ecumenical Throne, for the purpose of his election as Archbishop of America, in August, 1999. He had been receiving a pension from the Greek government until "The National herald" reported that information a few years ago, as if it were scandalous, whereupon he declined receipt of further pension payments. He is independently wealthy, through inheritance. His brother is a New Democracy member of the Greek Parliament. In 2000, when the Archdiocesan Council felt it had exhausted all efforts to further reduce the debts inherited from the administration of Archbishop Spyridon, at a point that the debts were around two or four million dollars (as I recall), His Eminence publicly volunteered to pay it off, though the Council respectfully refused his generous offer. I never read anything about his having become an American citizen in his biographical information. Never-the-less, the duly elected and enthroned "Archbishop of America," cannot be perceived as a "foreign hierarch," in my opinion.

He can be, and many said so of Abp. Spyridon, being more the Exarch than the Archbishop. Many Greeks thought of the Glyxmpourgk as foreigners,with far less reason.

Given how the present Archbishop has conducted himself, however, it doesn't matter much that I see, except that such conduct is personal, and not institutionalized. The switch from Abp. Iakovos to Abp. Spyridon demonstrated that.

May his Eminence's generous offer be remembered to his account on the Day of Judgement!

Sorry Isa i'm not thinking very clearly these days...

Do you have an issue with the way the Archb. is handling things? Or the perceptions of how he is handling things...?

No. Not at all.

Logged

Question a friend, perhaps he did not do it; but if he did anything so that he may do it no more.A hasty quarrel kindles fire,and urgent strife sheds blood.If you blow on a spark, it will glow;if you spit on it, it will be put out; and both come out of your mouth

Speaking truth to power is an obligation of a committed Christian leader. Wise, kind AND powerful words from the Archbishop as always.

I agree that it was a wonderful prayer. I completely disagree that it was "speaking truth to power." Unless I am very wrong, speaking truth to power has a connotation of speaking the truth even though hearing it will be disagreeable to the audience. Saint John Chrysostom was speaking truth to power when he condemned the living style of the court. His eminence would have been speaking truth to power if he had denounced the pro-abortion and gay marriage views and proposals of this administration.